#119 Sheriff Mark Lamb - Fixing the Border Crisis & Defending the Constitution
In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb opens up about his upbringing, experiences that shaped his worldview, and what motivated him to pursue a career in law enforcement. He shares his perspectives on the border crisis, outlining the tactics used by Mexican cartels to profit from drug and human trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border.
Lamb also discusses the challenges facing law enforcement, such as policies limiting qualified immunity and efforts to defund the police. He explains how this has impacted public safety and his strategies to rebuild trust between law enforcement and citizens. The episode delves into Lamb's decision to run for the U.S. Senate, driven by a commitment to upholding the Constitution and addressing issues he believes demand a Senate platform.
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Sheriff Lamb's Background
Mark Lamb recounts his upbringing in Hawaii and his family's history in America, tracing back to the Mayflower passengers and early American settlers. Lamb says his family's roots imparted him with a strong connection to the U.S. His experience living abroad in the Philippines and Panama as a child, where he witnessed poverty and military conflict, shaped his worldview.
At 19, Lamb served as a missionary in Argentina for two years. He says it was life-changing to help people and see their transformations, deepening his faith and commitment to service. A pivotal moment where he decided to embrace responsibility over victimhood set him on an empowered path leading to entrepreneurship and law enforcement.
The Border Crisis
Lamb calls the border crisis a major national security threat. He outlines how Mexican cartels are exploiting border weaknesses to vastly increase profits from drug and human trafficking. Lamb details the cartels' evolving tactics like using teenagers and social media to recruit Americans for smuggling operations.
The cartels have shifted to human trafficking since migrants can be "resold" multiple times. Lamb warns the influx of migrants from across the globe compounds the security risk. He urges cutting off cartel income by restricting migration to disrupt their business model and reduce drug availability fueling overdose deaths.
Challenges for Law Enforcement
Lamb argues policies undermining law enforcement, like limiting qualified immunity and efforts to defund police, have demoralized officers and emboldened criminals, contributing to a public safety crisis in some areas. He says weak enforcement has resulted in surging violent crime and early releases of dangerous offenders.
In Pinal County, Lamb has worked to rebuild trust and cooperation between law enforcement and citizens. His innovative strategies for transparency and accountability have garnered national recognition and inspired a new generation of law enforcement leaders.
Run for US Senate
Witnessing the erosion of rule of law and founding American principles compelled Sheriff Lamb to run for U.S. Senate to promote "God, family, freedom, and the Constitution." Lamb was further galvanized by personal tragedy and threats to national security.
Despite pressure to stand aside, Lamb is running an unconventional campaign focused on issues he believes demand a Senate platform. He shuns negative tactics to run an "honorable race" restoring integrity to politics. While overlooked by his party, Lamb sees his lived experience qualifying him to boldly tackle the country's challenges.
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Counterarguments
- Lamb's strong connection to the U.S. through his family history is a personal narrative that may not necessarily translate into effective policy-making skills.
- While Lamb's experiences abroad may have shaped his worldview, they do not automatically confer expertise in foreign or domestic policy.
- The impact of missionary work on personal growth is subjective and may not be a universal qualifier for public office.
- Embracing responsibility is commendable, but it does not address the complexities of systemic issues that may contribute to societal problems.
- The characterization of the border crisis as a major national security threat is a perspective that can be debated, with some arguing for a more nuanced view of immigration.
- The focus on restricting migration to cut off cartel income oversimplifies the multifaceted nature of drug and human trafficking issues.
- The claim that policies undermining law enforcement have led to a public safety crisis can be contested with data showing that crime rates have historically fluctuated and are influenced by a variety of factors.
- The assertion that weak enforcement has led to surging violent crime may not take into account broader social and economic factors that contribute to crime rates.
- While rebuilding trust between law enforcement and citizens is crucial, the effectiveness of Lamb's strategies in Pinal County may not be universally applicable or scalable.
- Running for U.S. Senate with a focus on "God, family, freedom, and the Constitution" presents a specific ideological stance that may not resonate with all voters or address all policy areas.
- The notion of running an "honorable race" is subjective, and what is considered honorable can vary widely among different constituencies.
- Lamb's belief in his qualifications based on lived experience may not convince voters who prioritize formal education or specific professional expertise in their candidates.
Actionables
- You can explore your family history to understand how it shapes your perspectives by creating a family tree with annotations of key historical events that coincide with your ancestors' lives. This activity can provide insight into how your upbringing may influence your worldview, similar to how Lamb's U.S. connections impacted his. For example, if you discover an ancestor was an immigrant, research the conditions of their homeland at the time of their migration to better understand the challenges they faced and how those might resonate with your own life experiences.
- Engage with local community issues by volunteering for neighborhood watch programs or community policing initiatives. This involvement can give you a firsthand look at the challenges law enforcement and communities face, fostering a sense of responsibility and cooperation. For instance, by participating in local safety meetings, you can contribute to strategies that improve public safety and build trust within your community, drawing parallels to Lamb's focus on law enforcement-citizen cooperation.
- Educate yourself on current national and local political candidates by attending town hall meetings, reading their platforms online, and watching debates to make informed voting decisions. By understanding each candidate's background, values, and policy proposals, you can vote for those who align with your own beliefs about national security, law enforcement, and governance. For example, if a candidate emphasizes a strong stance on combating human trafficking, you can support their campaign if that issue resonates with your personal convictions, mirroring Lamb's intention to address such challenges through his Senate run.
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Sheriff Lamb's background and personal life
Mark Lamb discusses his personal history, the influence of his family's global business background, and the profound personal experiences that shaped his values and worldview.
Sheriff Lamb was born and raised in Hawaii, spent time living in the Philippines and Panama, and is a descendant of several Mayflower passengers and early American settlers.
Sheriff Lamb was born and raised in Hawaii, where he grew up with a deep appreciation for America and its founding principles. His family's history in the country dates back to the arrival of the Mayflower and includes ancestors who have been in what is now the United States since the 1600s or 1700s. Lamb credits his family's long-standing presence in the United States for his strong connection to the country. His father's business ventures in overseas government contracts and scrap metal took the family to live abroad, first in the Philippines, which did not work out, causing them to return to Arizona, and then to Panama, where Lamb spent summers and lived through Operation Just Cause at the age of 17. This international living, along with his minority status in Hawaii's warrior culture and exposure to poverty in the Philippines, was formative for Lamb and contributed to his understanding and appreciation of American principles.
Sheriff Lamb spent time as a missionary in Argentina and had several impactful personal experiences that shaped his values and worldview.
At 19, Lamb moved to Argentina to serve as a missionary for two years. He recounts his experience there as life-changing, helping people at vulnerable points in their lives and witnessing transformation. Lamb faced challenges, such as adapting to a different culture, language barriers with a Spanish-speaking companion, and living in basic conditions. These hardships reinforced his faith and commitment to service, something that is reflected in a memory he shares of helping an "elderly bum," during which he felt he saw "the face of Christ." Additio ...
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Sheriff Lamb's background and personal life
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Actionables
- Explore your family tree to connect with your heritage and understand how it shapes your values. Start by asking relatives for stories and using online genealogy services to trace your lineage. This can give you a deeper appreciation for your background and how it influences your perspective on life.
- Volunteer abroad to experience cultural immersion and service. Look for short-term volunteer opportunities in a country that interests you, focusing on programs that align with your values and interests. This can mirror the life-changing aspects of missionary work and help you develop a stronger sense of global citizenship.
- Create a personal growth plan inspired by pivotal life moments. Re ...
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The border crisis and national security threats
Sheriff Mark Lamb discusses the border crisis, highlighting the significant security threat posed by cartels taking advantage of weaknesses to traffic drugs, people, and weapons into the United States.
The crisis at the southern border poses a significant national security threat, with the cartels exploiting weaknesses in border security to traffic drugs, people, and weapons into the United States.
Lamb emphasizes that cartels are increasing their profits dramatically, from $500 million to $10-13 billion a year from 2020 to 2021, through their diversified operations in drugs and sex trafficking. He notes the cartels' methods have evolved, using sophisticated control for their smuggling operations, such as wristbands to indicate payment by people being trafficked.
Cartel-controlled smuggling operations, including the use of tunnels and stash houses, have enabled the flow of illicit goods and undocumented migrants into the country.
Lamb details that the cartels have adapted by using American citizens, including teenagers, for smuggling operations within the United States. These tactics have complicated law enforcement's efforts as traffickers use family vehicles and utilize social media platforms like Snapchat and TikTok to recruit Americans, offering money per person smuggled. Cartels' changing practices imply a shift to more difficult-to-detect smuggling activities, further complicated by the exploitation of minors.
The cartels have adapted their business model to employ American citizens, including minors, to transport migrants and contraband, making it more difficult for law enforcement to identify and interdict these activities.
Lamb discusses how the cartels conduct military operations to protect their trafficking enterprises and mentions that they have shifted to human trafficking since humans can be "sold" multiple times. The influx of Other Than Mexicans (OTMs) from various countries creates an elevated national security threat. Lamb urges cutting off ...
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The border crisis and national security threats
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Counterarguments
- The characterization of the border crisis as a significant national security threat may be oversimplified, as border security challenges are complex and multifaceted, involving humanitarian, economic, and legal aspects in addition to security concerns.
- The increase in cartel profits may not be solely due to border weaknesses; global demand for drugs and other illicit goods plays a significant role.
- While cartels do use sophisticated smuggling operations, there are also extensive legal and humanitarian efforts at the border that aim to manage and mitigate these activities.
- The employment of American citizens, including minors, in smuggling operations is a serious concern, but it should be addressed with comprehensive community outreach and prevention programs rather than solely through law enforcement.
- Military operations by cartels are indeed a concern, but equating human trafficking with military operations may not accurately represent the nature of these criminal activities.
- The link between open borders and a surge in crime and drug overdoses is contested; some argue that other factors, such as domestic drug policies and social issues, contribute significantly to these problems.
- The assertion that open border policies are responsible for cartel business growth does not account for the complex factors that drive migration and smuggling, including violence and poverty in migrants' home countries.
- While [restricted term] poisonings are a serious issue, the term " ...
Actionables
- You can increase your awareness of product origins to avoid inadvertently supporting cartel operations by researching and choosing to buy from companies that transparently source their materials and labor. For example, when shopping for clothes or groceries, look for certifications like Fair Trade or Direct Trade, which often indicate a product has been sourced ethically and without exploitation.
- Enhance your personal safety and contribute to community awareness by participating in local neighborhood watch programs or online community groups. By staying informed about suspicious activities and reporting them to authorities, you help disrupt potential local operations that may be linked to larger criminal organizations. For instance, if you notice a pattern of unfamiliar vehicles or unusual foot traffic in your area, sharing this with your community watch can lead to increased vigilance and potentially alert law enforcement to investigate.
- Educate yourself and others about the dangers of illicit drugs, particularly ne ...
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Challenges facing law enforcement in the US
The challenges facing law enforcement in the United States have escalated, as different factors contribute to a crisis in public safety, with some jurisdictions experiencing a surge in violent crime and the early release of dangerous offenders.
Policies that impact the enforcement of the law, such as the diminishment of qualified immunity for officers, limitations placed on proactive policing, and efforts to defund the police, have demoralized law enforcement and emboldened criminal elements. Law enforcement agencies grapple with the consequences of being perceived negatively and facing public scrutiny that often disregards the complexities of their duties.
Sheriff Mark Lamb has taken an innovative approach to confront these challenges in Pinal County, striving to restore trust and foster cooperation between law enforcement and the community.
Efforts to undermine the rule of law and weaken the authority of law enforcement have contributed to a crisis in public safety, with some jurisdictions experiencing a surge in violent crime and the early release of dangerous offenders.
The US has seen a wave of policies that have been argued to effectively weaken the enforcement of laws. The efforts to remove qualified immunity for police officers have been criticized, as Sheriff Lamb explains that this provision does not give officers a pass to act unlawfully, but rather shields them from civil lawsuits when they perform their duties within the bounds of the law. Critics argue that dismantling this protection could result in officers being less responsive out of fear of personal liability.
The push to defund police departments is also highlighted as a factor that may contribute to a decline in public safety. This movement has been suggested to create instability and chaos, turning people against the police and potentially leading to a dependency on the government.
From a broader perspective, these policies are said to contribute to growing public endangerment. Lamb refers to the political climate that has fostered a division between the community and law enforcement, impacting the authority of the police and contributing to issues in public safety. He stresses that politicians have played a role in fueling this rift, which may result in a weakened enforcement response and a general sense of lawlessness.
Sheriff Lamb has worked to restore trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve, leveraging innovative strategies and a focus on transparency to combat crime and uphold the rule of law.
Sheriff Lamb has faced internal challenges within his department, such as budget constraints and the necessity to improve inter-governmental relations. Despite these hurdles, he has been successful in reducing crime rates each year in collaboration with the county attorney. His commitment to accountability and protecting constitutional rights has been a cornerstone of creating a community that inhibits crime.
Lamb has been proactive in leading by example, actively participating in frontline duties like traffic stops and searches for smugglers. His involvement in daily law enforcement activities has underlined his approach to accountability and transparency.
Sheriff Lamb's approach to leading the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, including his use of ...
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Challenges facing law enforcement in the US
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Qualified immunity is a contentious issue, and some argue that its removal or reform could increase police accountability, which may improve public trust in law enforcement.
- Efforts to defund the police are often misunderstood; advocates usually call for a reallocation of resources to social services that can prevent crime, rather than simply cutting police budgets.
- The concept of "mob rule" can be misinterpreted; community backlash is sometimes a legitimate form of democratic expression, pushing for necessary reforms in law enforcement practices.
- The surge in violent crime and the early release of offenders are complex issues that may not be directly attributable to policies aimed at police reform.
- The negative perceptions of law enforcement could be addressed by systemic reforms that build community relations and enhance transparency, rather than solely focusing on public relations efforts.
- The assertion that politicians are fueling a rift between the community and law enforcement oversimplifies the broader social dynamics at play and the legitimate grievances some communities have with policing practices.
- While Sheriff Lamb's strategies may have been successful in Pinal County, they may not be universally applicable or effective in different jurisdictions with varying challenges.
- National recognition and inspir ...
Actionables
- You can foster a better understanding of law enforcement by participating in a local police ride-along program to witness the complexities of their duties firsthand. Many police departments offer civilian ride-along programs where you can observe officers on duty, which can provide a deeper appreciation for the challenges they face and the decisions they must make in real-time.
- Engage in community-led discussions to bridge the gap between law enforcement and residents by organizing informal gatherings in your neighborhood. Invite local officers to attend and share their experiences, while also giving community members a platform to voice their concerns. This can help to build mutual trust and understanding, and you might even propose solutions like neighborhood watch programs that can assist law enforcement in crime prevention.
- Support ...
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Sheriff Lamb's political aspirations and run for the US Senate
Sheriff Mark Lamb has taken on a new challenge with his run for the United States Senate. Driven by concerns over the erosion of the rule of law and the principles that define America, Lamb enters the political arena with a commitment to promote the values of "God, family, freedom, and the Constitution."
After witnessing the erosion of the rule of law and the principles that define America, Sheriff Lamb decided to run for the US Senate to promote the values of "God, family, freedom, and the speed of progress."
Sheriff Lamb's decision to run for Senate was influenced by personal tragedies, as well as a desire to address the broader threats to the country's stability and security.
Shawn Ryan introduces us to Sheriff Lamb's candidacy, revealing a man compelled by a sense of responsibility and galvanized by personal tragedy to seek national office. Lamb's vision is to preserve America’s founding principles. Reflecting on his tenure as sheriff, Lamb's run is marked by a desire to tackle issues that he feels cannot be addressed at the local level—such as the border, the economy, crime, and national security—and must be taken to the Senate floor in Washington, DC.
Despite pressure from political operatives in Washington and other figures asking him to step aside or become a spokesperson for border issues, Lamb stands firm. He stresses that the only approval he seeks is from his wife, the voters who sign his petition, and his convictions. Lamb’s personal anecdotes, including a moving story about his son, add layers to his motivation for running and reveal the depth of his commitment to restore and uphold America's values.
Despite facing personal and political challenges, Sheriff Lamb is running an unconventional, principled campaign focused on addressing the critical thefts that define the culture.
Sheriff Lamb's commitment to running an "honorable race" and his refusal to engage in negative tactics have set him apart from traditional political operatives, as he seeks to restore trust and integrity in the political process.
Lamb's approach to his Senate campaign is unconventional and principally driven. He exudes dedication to running an honorable and positive race, deliberately shunning negative campaign tactics, even to the point of letting go of consultants. His stance has set him apart in a political landscape he decries as overly fixated on financial might, where, traditionally, the viability of a campaign appears entwined with fundraising prowess.
Lamb not only brings experience from managing a substantial agency budget but also a deep knowledge of national security. Coupled with his expertise on border crimes, he feels poised to be the most informed senator on these issues. Yet, despite his credentials, Lamb speaks of being overlooked in the Senate race, facing personal attacks from within his own party, and navigating the inherent difficulty in changing public perception when name recognition swings to extremes.
Underpinning Lamb's candidacy is a foundational belief in accountability and the public good. As he confronts the specter of a two-person race excluding him, he identifies himself as a 'titan' of lived experience, ready to tackle the tribulations facing the country with optimism and valor. He underscores the importance of integrity and courage in politics, presenting himself ready to "stand in front of the tanks," metaphorically sp ...
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Sheriff Lamb's political aspirations and run for the US Senate
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Clarifications
- Sheriff Lamb's tenure as sheriff provided him with firsthand experience in dealing with local issues like crime and security. His observation of broader national challenges during his time as sheriff motivated him to seek a platform where he could address these issues at a higher level, leading to his decision to run for the US Senate. Lamb's experience managing a significant agency budget and his expertise in areas like national security and border crimes from his time as sheriff have shaped his readiness to tackle these issues at a national level.
- The political landscape in the context of Sheriff Lamb's Senate run involves traditional campaign tactics, fundraising challenges, and the influence of political operatives in Washington who may pressure candidates to align with certain agendas or step aside. These operatives can exert significant influence over candidates' strategies, messaging, and overall campaign direction, often emphasizing fundraising prowess and adherence to party priorities. Sheriff Lamb's decision to run an unconventional and principled campaign, free from negative tactics, sets him apart from the typical political landscape influenced by these operatives. His focus on integrity and accountability contrasts with the pressure to conform to traditional political norms driven by Washington insiders.
- Sheriff Lamb faces challenges within his own party due to potential opposition from party members who may not fully support his candidacy. Changing public perception can be difficult as it involves altering how the general population views a candidate, which can be influenced by various factors such as media coverage, past actions, and political messaging. Lamb may encounter resistance in reshaping public opinion, especially if there are preconceived notions or negative narratives about him that are deeply ingrained in the public consciousness.
- Sheriff Mark Lamb's endorsement of Ross Teeple is significant as it indicates Lamb's choice for a successor in his current position, showing his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition in leadership. Local races in Pinal County are crucial as they directly impact the community and its governance, highlighting Lamb's recognition of the importance of maintaining stability and effective leadership at the local level. Lamb's emphasis on local races underscores his belief in the foundational role of county electi ...
Counterarguments
- While Sheriff Lamb emphasizes the importance of "God, family, freedom, and the Constitution," critics might argue that his interpretation of these values may not align with all constituents' views, especially in a diverse electorate.
- Lamb's focus on personal tragedies as a motivator for his Senate run could be seen as potentially overshadowing broader policy expertise or legislative strategy.
- Some may question whether Lamb's experience as a sheriff directly translates to the complexities of national legislation and governance required in the Senate.
- Lamb's commitment to an "honorable race" and refusal to engage in negative tactics, while admirable, might be viewed as potentially naive in the rough-and-tumble realm of national politics.
- Critics might argue that deep knowledge of national security and border crimes, while important, is not sufficient to address the full range of issues a senator must confront.
- Lamb's stance against negative campaign tactics could be criticized for potentially limiting his ability to respond to attacks or criticisms from opponents effectively.
- The emphasis on accountability and public good is commendable, but skeptics might question how these principles will translate into actionable policy or legislative success.
- Endorsing a successor like Ross Teeple could be seen as an attempt to influence local politics, which some constituents might find inappropriate for someone seeking a national office.
- Lamb's focus on local races and safeguarding freedom in Pinal County might be cri ...
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